Kilpatrick fundraiser in court for tax sentence

DETROIT (AP) — A woman who raised campaign money for former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick is hoping to avoid prison for tax crimes.

Emma Bell was a key witness at Kilpatrick's corruption trial, telling jurors how she pulled cash from her bra to pay more than $200,000 in kickbacks when he was mayor. The government says her assistance in the case was important.

Bell is returning to court Thursday for her sentence for tax evasion. Bell's guideline range is 18 months to 24 months in prison, but prosecutors are asking a judge to cut it in half. Defense attorney Avery Bradley is recommending that Bell stay out of jail or prison.